Start of Henri Matisse's color
He is Henri Matisse (1913)
Henri Émile-Benoît Matisse, commonly known as Henri Matisse, was born on December 31, 1869, in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, a town in northern France. He was the eldest son of a wealthy grain merchant family. The Matisse family, being quite affluent, ensured Henri had a comfortable upbringing. Most of the Cambrésis region was agricultural, and the family's prosperity was closely tied to this.
Matisse's father, intent on securing a stable and prestigious future for his son, arranged for Henri to pursue a career in law. At the age of 18, in 1887, Henri moved to Paris to study law, adhering to the path his father envisioned for him. This move was seen as a step towards a stable and prosperous career in court administration, a position his father anticipated would guarantee security and respectability.
Paradise of colors
Henri Matisse's initial path in law was largely influenced by his father's ambitions rather than his own interests. This likely caused him considerable stress, as he did not arrange this path for himself and may have felt constrained by his father's expectations. However, it was not merely bad luck but a fortunate twist of fate that led him to his true calling.
In 1889, Matisse contracted appendicitis and was hospitalized. During his recovery, his mother, who was an amateur painter, took care of him and spent time drawing. Watching his mother paint sparked Matisse's curiosity and interest in art. This experience was transformative for him, and he later described it as seeing "Paradise." This profound moment of inspiration led him to realize his passion for painting.
Eventually, Matisse made the courageous decision to inform his father that he would abandon his law studies to pursue a career in art.
Studying and Painting
In 1891, Henri Matisse returned to Paris, leaving behind the secure but unfulfilling path of a legal career and stepping onto the challenging road of becoming an artist. His first significant step in this new direction was enrolling in the Académie Julian, a well-known private art school. The Académie Julian served as a preparatory stage for students aiming to enter prestigious national art schools.
At the Académie Julian, Matisse received instruction in various painting techniques from accomplished teachers. His dedication and hard work paid off, and in 1895, he succeeded in gaining admission to the École des Beaux-Arts, one of France's most prestigious art institutions.
Throughout this journey, Matisse's loving mother provided unwavering support. Her encouragement and understanding were crucial in helping him pursue his passion for art despite the uncertainties and difficulties that came with leaving the more conventional and stable career path in law. This maternal support played a vital role in Matisse's development and success as an artist.
Still life with Earthen Pot (1892)
Henri Matisse soon found himself disillusioned with the traditional methods of art instruction he encountered at the École des Beaux-Arts. The focus on drawing outlines, considering light and shade, applying colors, and studying still lifes and classic masterpieces felt monotonous and uninspiring to him. Matisse, who was averse to following conventional paths, found little interest in the teaching style of his mentor, Gustave Moreau, despite Moreau's reputation for encouraging creative freedom.
Matisse's dissatisfaction with traditional techniques is understandable. The academic approach often produced works that appeared dark and dull, lacking the vibrant energy Matisse sought. Moreover, the advent of photography posed a challenge to many artists of the time. As cameras began to capture realistic images, even in black and white, the necessity and value of merely copying reality were called into question. This technological advancement spurred a crisis of purpose among artists, pushing many to explore new forms of expression that photography couldn't achieve.
Feeling the need to refresh his mind and find new inspiration, Matisse decided to take a break from his studies. During the vacation period, he went on a trip. This journey provided him with a much-needed escape from the constraints of his academic environment and an opportunity to explore different artistic influences and ideas.
Vacation and meeting with Impressionist painters
Maisons a Kervilahouen (1896)
In 1896, Henri Matisse traveled to Belle Île in Brittany with Emile Auguste Wéry, a friend associated with the Impressionist painters. There, he met John Russell, a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement often referred to as the godfather of the Impressionist painters. This meeting was pivotal for Matisse, as Belle Île was a significant location where renowned artists like Claude Monet and John Russell lived and created their works.
During his time in Belle Île, John Russell introduced Matisse to the works of Vincent van Gogh. This introduction had a profound impact on Matisse. The vibrant colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and emotional intensity of Van Gogh's paintings were a revelation. Matisse was deeply shocked and stimulated by the rough and intense style of Impressionist painting.
Reflecting on this transformative experience, Matisse later recounted, "When I saw the picture, I couldn't stay." Driven by newfound inspiration, he left immediately to start painting, eager to explore and experiment with the bold, expressive techniques that had so powerfully moved him. This period marked a significant turning point in Matisse's artistic journey, pushing him towards greater innovation and expression in his own work.
Rochers A Belle Ile (1896)
Belle Isle (Le Port de Palais, 1896)
After his transformative experience in Belle Île, Henri Matisse began incorporating more vibrant colors into his work. He experimented with using different colors for clothing and gradually infused his paintings with more color and energy.
However, this shift did not sit well with his teacher, Gustave Moreau, who was a traditionalist and adhered to Symbolist principles. Moreau's approach emphasized symbolism, detailed realism, and clear highlights, which contrasted sharply with the direction Matisse's art was taking. When Matisse introduced these bold colors and less conventional techniques into his work, Moreau criticized him, unable to appreciate the emerging new style that Matisse was developing.
Moreau's criticism of Matisse can be understood in the context of his own artistic philosophy and achievements. Moreau's paintings were renowned for their beauty, realistic detail, and meticulous use of highlights. His works often depicted mythological and biblical scenes with rich, intricate symbolism. Given his high standards and traditionalist outlook, Moreau's scolding of Matisse reflected a clash between the established norms of the time and the innovative, avant-garde approach that Matisse was beginning to embrace.
Despite the criticism, Matisse remained undeterred. He continued to develop his unique style, which would eventually lead him to become one of the most influential figures in modern art. His use of color and form broke away from the confines of traditional realism, paving the way for new artistic movements and redefining the possibilities of painting.
Updated in 2024.05.23
